Indonesian police clash with hundreds protesting because MP salaries

 

Riots, Indonesia, MP salaries

29.08.25

Protesters are protesting what they call a “corrupt elite” in power and policies that benefit conglomerates and the military. - AFP photo

JAKARTA: Indonesian police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters who tried to storm the parliament building on August 25 to protest what they called excessive salaries and benefits for lawmakers.

Some of the dark-clad protesters threw rocks and lit fireworks at riot police in the capital Jakarta.

At least one motorcycle was set on fire by protesters, but officials did not provide details of the damage or information on any casualties or arrests.

The protesters marched through the streets around the parliament building, calling for the salaries of MPs (APs) to be cut, according to a press release by the Gejayan Mengambil organization, one of the groups formed by students in Yogyakarta province to organize the protest.

In August, local media reported that MPs were paid salaries of up to 100 million rupiah ($7,895) a month, including a hefty housing allowance.

Although Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, the remuneration far exceeds the country’s average income of 3.1 million rupiah.

The protesters were also protesting what they described as a “corrupt elite” in government and policies that favor conglomerates and the military, the press release said.

The remarks were an apparent reference to the military’s growing role in public life under President Prabowo Subianto, a former general.

Some were seen in television footage carrying flags from the Japanese anime series “One Piece,” which has become a symbol of protest against government policies in the country.

Jakarta police spokesman Ade Ary Syam Indradi told reporters that 1,250 police officers had been deployed to maintain security around the parliament building.

The speaker and deputy speaker of parliament, as well as a spokesman for Prabowo, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Commenting on the protests, Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani told local media that she would try to accommodate all aspirations from the public. – Reuters.